Tuesday, May 22, 2007

As we move into a new age, where oil prices have risen above what the average person can reasonably pay, and the economy has tilted off its axis so that the great divide between poor and rich yawns wider each day, I have come to believe that the future is green.

Green doesn't necessarily mean simply "saving the environment." There is so much more to green.

Think of it: if we invested as much in developing green technology as we do trying to preserve the oil economy, we would definitely be able to create a viable alternative in the next three years. This means investing in science, in education, and funding research. It would also mean that we wouldn't have to buy so much oil from places like Saudi Arabia, where governments support terrorist groups. If we could cut off this major income source in the Middle East, terror groups and tyrannical governments would collapse, and we'd have an end to a lot of violence.

And with this green techonology, we would be ahead of the curve in tech terms again, and we could reclaim the tech sector that we are rapidly handing over to the Asian markets. This would produce more jobs, and we could quit outsourcing so much. This would keep more money in the American economy and help reduce national debt.

By working on green solutions, like ZEVs (Zero Emission Vehicles), we could cut the amount of pollution we put into the air. By investing in wind farms, solar panels, and hydropower, renewable sources, we'd save money, and additionally help keep the air clean. It's no coincidence that asthma rates are rising in this country, along with other respiratory ailments. This helps to cut down on the costs to our healthcare system.

And let's not forget the obvious: it's great for the environment. Think of the plastic that could be saved if we all spent $10 to buy reusable grocery bags at Shaw's or Stop and Shop and actually used them. Last night, my fiance and I ran out to buy CFL bulbs (compact fluorescent lights) and on our trip to Home Depot and Target we took a canvas bag. We saved using at least two plastic bags. We take reusable bags for our groceries weekly. This saves a lot of plastic bags that would go into the trash and probably be pulled by the wind into the trees.

Besides the cutting down of waste, there's recycling that can be done that saves resources from being used up at such a tremendous rate. And the amazing savings: CFL bulbs use less than a third of the electricity than a traditional incandescent bulb, meaning I'll have a smaller electric bill.

The benefits are multiple; the cost is effort. I hope you'll join me in Greening House.